ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author describes the characterization of social studies reforms in general and state testing policy in particular as an "uncertain lever". Several years and several standards documents later, little has occurred to encourage him to rethink that metaphor. However, the author expands on the uncertain leverage of policy by examining three additional metaphors: policy as "steady work", a "blunt instrument", and the "pocket veto" that teachers wield over most every policy initiative. He concludes that it is far easier to create new policies and new policy metaphors than it is to change the classroom lives of teachers and students. Since the Nation at Risk report in 1983, there has been a relentless stream of social studies reforms. Although some of the efforts aim at areas like testing, most focus on curriculum. Professional organizations, nonprofit organizations, national government-sponsored projects, and state governments have competed for teachers' attention and underscored the validity of the steady work metaphor.
